The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has issued a stern warning to property owners, agents, and others to desist from illegal recycling and scavenging in unlicensed facilities in the state.
Managing Director/CEO of the agency, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, gave this warning in a release, a copy of which was made available to newsmen on Sunday, saying those involved in such activities should halt indiscriminate sorting, dumping, storing, and trading of recyclable waste in their facilities and in public spaces around them.
According to the LAWMA boss, such activities not only degrade the city’s aesthetic appeal but also disrupt the rights of property owners, contributing to serious environmental hazards. He warned that any individual or entity engaging in illegal recycling or scavenging would face strict enforcement measures and penalties as prescribed by law.
“LAWMA has observed a rising trend of indiscriminate waste sorting, dumping, and trading of recyclables in unauthorised locations. These activities violate the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017, and will not be tolerated.
“Any individual or entity engaging in illegal recycling or scavenging will face strict enforcement measures and penalties as prescribed by law,” he warned.
Gbadegesin affirmed that the deposition of recyclable waste in undesignated locations is strictly prohibited, as contained in Part III, Sections 85 & 86 of the Law of the state, and further warned that LAWMA would take all necessary steps to enforce compliance, including prosecuting violators and shutting down offending facilities.
“We cannot fold our hands and watch a few people derail the ongoing efforts to make the environment cleaner and liveable for all residents. I want to also add that property owners who permit unauthorised recycling or scavenging activities on their premises risk revocation of property rights and other legal consequences,” he vowed.
He, however, urged residents and stakeholders to utilise only licensed recycling facilities and registered waste collectors to ensure proper waste management in the state, calling on residents to report illegal activities through LAWMA’s official channels.
“We remain committed to achieving a cleaner and more sustainable Lagos, but we need the cooperation of all residents. We urge everyone to comply with the waste management laws of the state and contribute to a healthier environment,” the LAWMA boss stressed.
Gbadegesin, therefore, advised property owners, businesses, and the public to take this final warning seriously and avoid actions that could lead to serious legal repercussions.
Meanwhile, a joint enforcement team, comprising officials of LAWMA’s Monitoring and Compliance Department and the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), has dislodged squatters and illegal recyclers at Ijora-Olopa underbridge to sanitise the environment in the area.
The LAWMA boss said the enforcement exercise would continue in other areas of the state, in line with the zero-tolerance-for-waste policy, warning that there would be no hiding place for any individual or group of persons bent on causing environmental degradation and undermining efforts of the Authority.
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